In my case, all I really want is to make the Cube more usable for writing and other text work such as bibliographical searches, email, and so on, in conjunction with light web browsing. This is text work for which I'd ideally like to use XML format (Open Office/ Office 2008), because of the fact that documents are sent to me for reading/ editing in that format. I also require full unicode support. The need for proper unicode means I can't go back to Office 2001 running in OS9; XML means I can't (readily) go back to Office 2004. I am not wanting a gaming machine, but a serviceable text processor able to work with current document standards.
I happen to have a stock G4 Cube that does all of the above, but it struggles somewhat with Office 2008.... Thus what I wonder is whether a dual processor, even a slow one, would take the heat off as far as running a limited range of multiple applications and threads running in the OS itself, permitting Office 2008 to run a good deal more smoothly. I have also read somewhere that Office can make use of dual processors — and while I am not sure if that is correct, it sure would be nice.
This would allow me, for the expenditure of a grand total of maybe $40, to continue to use the Cube for the next couple of years or so. Office 2011 (and a machine to run it) is not something I am anxious to buy, so long as the file format it produces and that is thus going to be "out there" remains compatible with what I've got now.
Ah, the relentless march of software! If it were not for what everyone else is running, I would be very happy just with Word 2001 on my 2400c, which I actually think is just about the perfect word processor/ computer combo.
I happen to have a stock G4 Cube that does all of the above, but it struggles somewhat with Office 2008.... Thus what I wonder is whether a dual processor, even a slow one, would take the heat off as far as running a limited range of multiple applications and threads running in the OS itself, permitting Office 2008 to run a good deal more smoothly. I have also read somewhere that Office can make use of dual processors — and while I am not sure if that is correct, it sure would be nice.
This would allow me, for the expenditure of a grand total of maybe $40, to continue to use the Cube for the next couple of years or so. Office 2011 (and a machine to run it) is not something I am anxious to buy, so long as the file format it produces and that is thus going to be "out there" remains compatible with what I've got now.
Ah, the relentless march of software! If it were not for what everyone else is running, I would be very happy just with Word 2001 on my 2400c, which I actually think is just about the perfect word processor/ computer combo.